2026 Zao Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in April)

With 20 places to visit on a day of light snowfall and a gradually filling heart, begin your journey in Sendai before heading to Yamagata, a land of mountains, onsens, and pristine snow. End your trip with the tranquility and romance of Matsushima, one of Japan's three most beautiful scenic views. This 5-day, 4-night Sendai – Yamagata – Matsushima trip offers fluffy snow, breathtaking views, and a heartwarming experience. What's in store? Let's go!!! Day 1 | Bangkok – Sendai – Zao Depart from Bangkok for Sendai, the gateway to Tohoku. Enjoy a local meal in Shiroishi Zao before experiencing the magic of winter at Zao Snow Monster. Relax and unwind at Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa. Day 2 | Zao – Yamagata – Ginzan Onsen Wake up early to visit Zao Fox Village and meet foxes amidst the snow. Then, visit Shiroishi Castle, have lunch at Cherryland Sagae, before traveling to Ginzan Onsen, a dreamy onsen town with a romantic and classic atmosphere. Relax overnight at Tendo Onsen Takinoyu Hotel. Day 3 | Yamagata – Matsushima – Sendai Start the day by visiting Risshaku-ji Temple (Yamadera). Enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh oysters in Matsushima. Take a scenic cruise to see one of Japan's three most beautiful views. Then return to Sendai city. End the day with grilled beef tongue, a famous dish of Sendai. Day 4 | Sendai City Chill Day A relaxing day in Sendai. Wake up early to visit the market for grilled oysters, stop by a cafe for coffee and delicious pastries, enjoy the city view from Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle), and indulge in shopping in Sendai. Day 5 | Sendai – Bangkok It's time to go home. Wake up, have a relaxing breakfast, and travel to Sendai Airport for your flight back to Bangkok, filled with warm memories. This was a trip we really enjoyed. Finally... let's journey along the snowy Tohoku route, to the cities of Sendai – Yamagata – Matsushima. . . Me… with the ponytail. #Sendai #Miyagi #Tohoku #JapanTravel #VisitYamagata #TravelTalk

The highlight of Yamagata Zao Ski Resort is undoubtedly the winter-exclusive Zao Ice Trees! From December to March each year, temperatures drop below freezing, and the hills and trees are covered in thick snow, creating the unique and dreamy "snow monster" phenomenon. Today, with the luck of sunny weather, the ice trees sparkle under the blue sky, instantly lifting your mood. This destination is also one of Japan's most popular ski resorts, featuring a vast area suitable for both beginners and experts, with professional ski instructors available for booking. Basic Information about the Ski Resort: Yamagata Zao Ski Resort is located in Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture. Operating hours are generally from 8 AM to 5 PM. It is recommended to check the snow conditions for the day before entering. Recommended Itinerary: 1. Take the cable car from Zao Onsen Bus Station up the mountain, enjoying the snowy mountain scenery along the way. 2. Upon reaching the Zao Jizo Cable Car Station, head out immediately to see the ice trees. The entire mountain is blanketed in white, resembling a fairy tale world. 3. For skiing enthusiasts, there are slopes suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts. The wide and smooth slopes are particularly ideal for beginners to practice. Snowboarders can also enjoy designated areas for snowboarding. 4. The best time to view the ice trees is between 2 PM and 4 PM, when the sunlight creates a more three-dimensional effect, perfect for photography. 5. After enjoying the snow, head back to Zao Onsen Town for a soak in authentic Japanese hot springs to relax and relieve fatigue. Must-Do Activities & Photo Spots: · Ice Tree Avenue: Walk through a forest covered in snow, a must-visit for photo enthusiasts. · Zao Ice Tree Field: Join the cable car night tour to view the ice trees illuminated at night, creating a glowing effect that is stunning for photos. · Summit Observation Deck: On clear days, enjoy panoramic views of the Zao mountain range, with blue skies and white snow creating professional-grade photo opportunities. Tips and Precautions: 1. It is highly recommended to purchase priority cable car tickets online in advance to save time, as queues can be long. 2. Weather can change rapidly, so wear waterproof and warm jackets, snow boots, and snow pants. The summit is windy and cold, so prepare hats, gloves, and goggles. 3. Bring simple snacks and water, as restaurants on the mountain may require waiting. 4. Beginners can book ski lessons with instructors for a safe and quick learning experience. 5. When viewing the ice trees at night, dress warmly and walk slowly to avoid slipping. Summary Recommendation: Yamagata Zao Ski Resort offers not only world-class ice tree scenery but also high-quality ski slopes, hot springs, and comprehensive facilities. It’s perfect for independent travel, with convenient transportation, making it ideal for families, friends, or even skiing beginners.

Having visited Japan so many times, Sendai left a deep impression on me. I booked round-trip tickets to Sendai and some accommodations through Trip as usual. I must say, aside from the well-known Zao and Ginzan Onsen, what truly left me in awe was the scenery of Jōdo-no-hama in Miyako. It was absolutely stunning! For a moment, I thought I had entered a paradise! Additionally, Fox Village, Matsushima, Ōtani Coast, Lake Tazawa... all were breathtaking. Japan is indeed a perfect destination for self-driving trips.

My boyfriend's friends wanted to go skiing in Zao and then spend New Year's Eve at Ginzan Onsen. I'm not really interested in skiing, but I really wanted to see the snow monsters, so I agreed to go with them. First off, accommodation in Zao during the New Year period is incredibly expensive! I recommend going in January or February; it's cheaper then, and there's more snow. The eight-day, seven-night trip was roughly divided into four days in Zao and four days in Tokyo. Day 1: Arrive at Sendai Airport ➡️ Take a bus to Yamagata Station ➡️ Check-in at Yamagata International Hotel ➡️ Buy groceries at a supermarket ➡️ Dinner: Yamagata beef yakiniku (grilled beef) Bus to Yamagata Station: When we went, there weren't many people, so we boarded the bus without much of a queue. You can use your Suica card (2000 yen) on board; you don't need to buy a ticket beforehand. However, I heard that it's very difficult to get a ticket during the peak season in January and February. If you're in a group, chartering a bus might be faster. Yamagaki Beef Grilled Meat: Absolutely delicious! A popular restaurant for locals to entertain guests, but reservations are essential. We asked a local in Yamagata to help us make a phone call. Overall, the quality was high, yet the price was reasonable. Day 2: Take a bus from Yamagata Station to Zao ➡️ Check-in at Tokō-Yama in Ashimori ➡️ Lunch: Okumura Ramen ➡️ Take the cable car up Zao Mountain from the foot of the mountain station ➡️ See the Zao Ice Trees ➡️ Visit the Jizō statue at the summit ➡️ Shopping in Lawson ➡️ Dinner at the hotel Okumura Ramen (Chinese Sobaya): A must-try when visiting Zao! It's truly delicious and not too salty. It comes in four flavors: salt, miso, spicy miso, and soy sauce. Zao Snow Tree: The week before we went, the snow was melting. Luckily, it had snowed the day before, so we could still see some snow, but it was incredibly cold, especially at the Jizo statue at the summit. The wind was strong and it was snowing; taking photos was truly a test of willpower. Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel → Accompanying my boyfriend to rent ski equipment → Buying snacks at Lawson → Taking a nap → Sakugawa Onsen Shrine → Afternoon tea: Have a Good Slice SHIN ZAO → Strolling around the onsen town → Returning to the hotel to rest and wait for dinner → Soaking in a private hot spring bath. Accompanying my boyfriend to rent ski equipment: Skiing is such an expensive sport 😂 I recommend researching online beforehand which ski rental shops have the newest equipment and making reservations. Most ski rental shops operate on a reservation system. Lawson Zao Store: As the only convenience store on Mount Zao, it's usually restocked around 8 AM and sold out by 5 or 6 PM, especially milk, which is often gone before noon. If you want more options, go early in the morning. Onsen Town: Zao Onsen Town is a very small area. At the end of the town is the Sakugawa Onsen Shrine, a great spot for taking photos. A few shops in the town are quite nice: 1. Have a Good Slice SHIN ZAO: A small eatery offering pizza, pasta, and desserts. Located in the parking lot at the end of the town, it has a nice atmosphere and is a good place to relax. 2. TAKAYU ONSEN PARLOR: The pudding is delicious, and many people recommend the soda drinks. They also sell cute trinkets. Seating is limited, so it's best to eat and leave quickly. 3. Yamaguchi Mochi Shop: Primarily sells mochi and glutinous rice balls; it's always packed. 4. Hachiman (蔵王热肉八幡): If you're craving yakiniku (grilled meat), this is a good choice in the hot spring town; you can smell the aroma as soon as you reach the entrance. 5. Zao Onsen Yutabiya TAKAYUDO (藻Onsen 浴旅屋 高汤堂): Sells unique souvenirs, not your typical biscuit souvenirs. However, not everything is characteristic of Yamagata; I had high expectations and ended up buying nothing. 6. Shirakaba Shoten (白桦店): The most famous shop for rice cakes, but they were sold out when I went in the afternoon. You can also buy them next to ZAO stand MY; the quality isn't too bad. Day 4 Breakfast at the hotel ➡️ Stock up at Lawson ➡️ Take a nap ➡️ Lunch: Restaurant House 101 ➡️ Walk and take photos of the snow scenery ➡️ Buy souvenirs ➡️ Dinner at the hotel Restaurant House 101: I really wanted to eat cold soba noodles, but Google reviews mentioned tempura, which is no longer available. The food was average, nothing special. Souvenir Shop: I recommend going directly to Zao Meipinkan Notoya opposite Sanroku Station. The prices are similar at several local shops, but this one has the widest selection and accepts credit cards. Tax refunds are not available. For something more unique, you can go to Yuno Hana Chaya Shinzaemon no Yu, which sells some unusual sake and merchandise. Honestly, there's not much to do in Zao 🤣, especially walking alone. I could have gone up again to see the snow monsters, but it was too cold and I was a bit tired. Plus, the cable car is crowded and you might have to wait 1-2 hours, so I wasn't motivated to go alone! But my boyfriend seemed to have a lot of fun, so I'm thinking of going sledding next time.

Five-day trip to Sendai, Northeast Japan, deep soaking in hot springs, shopping and feeling the winter northern atmosphere, perfect for those who like to enjoy slow life, and want to eat all the beef tongue and fresh sushi at once! Luxury hotels next to Sendai Station, fantastic snow scenery of Ginzan Onsen, Tibetan King Tree Ice and Sendai's popular fox village... This line combines shopping and natural beauty, fun and very chill, sincerely recommended to you who want to relax! Day 1|Sendai Shopping Street + Sendai Station Onsen Accommodation Once we get off the plane and arrive in Sendai, we must first rush to the busiest shopping street! Whether in Ichibancho or around the station, there is a wide range of goods, boutique, cosmetics, snacks and clothing - be sure to try Sendai's signature beef tongue for dinner. At night, stay at the Dome Ying Natural Hot Spring Hotel in front of Sendai Station, a 5-minute walk from the station. The hot spring bath is so comfortable that you can't wait to leave! There is free ramen available for late night supper. When you come back to the hotel, you can eat for a night and have thoughtful arrangements. Day 2 | Sendai Castle + Golden Snake Water Shrine + Ginzan Onsen Exploration Early in the morning, go to Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle site, address: Tenshodai, Aoba-ku) to see the statue of Date Masamune on site, overlooking the city of Sendai. Then go to the Golden Snake Water Shrine (Address: Kanegasaki, Kasuga-cho, Aoba-ku), where the golden snake carvings are super distinctive and are said to be the popular guardian shrine of fortune in Sendai. In the afternoon, we will go straight to Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, with fantastic snow scenery + Japanese wooden building atmosphere! For dinner, I ordered Sushiro (Sushiro Yamagata, address: 2-3-20, Matsubara, Yamagata). For accommodation, choose Tendo Rongya Hotel, soak in hot springs to relieve the fatigue of the day ~ Day 3|Tibetan King Tree Ice + Fox Village Wonderful Experience Today’s highlight: Tibetan King Tree Ice (Address: Zao Onsen, Yamagata)! You can take the cable car up the mountain, the snow monster-like tree and ice scenery scene is more shocking than the photos. Then go to the Miyagi Zao Fox Village (Address: Kawarago-11-3, Fukuoka, Shiroishi, great for animal control), where a group of foxes run freely and is super healing. Stay at TAOYA Akiho tonight, the hotel facilities are high-end and modern, the dinner buffet must try the beef tongue and oyster braised rice, the sauna hot spring is super comfortable (there is a shuttle bus to Sendai Station, advance reservation required). Day 4 | AEON Dream City named after crazy shopping At the end of the trip, go to Aeon Mall Natori (Address: Sambomatsu-5-1, Natori) to shop. Dinner returns to Sendai’s famous local beef tongue restaurant, Zenjiro Beef Tongue (our address: Chuo 1-8-29, Aoba-ku), which melts in your mouth and is oily and refreshing. Overnight at the Monterey Hotel Sendai, European retro room + large bath + free beer ice cream, rich breakfast styles, beef tongue congee photo must try. Day 5|The little happiness before going home The last day was full of waves, and without any suspense I chose to walk slowly in the city, stroll around at will, and return in the afternoon. Tips|Spa Hotel Selection Tips For hot spring hotels, the Domeying Group next to Sendai Station (Tomeiying Natural Spa Hotel in front of Sendai Station) and the Monterey Hotel are super convenient for intensive trips or pre-return stays. TAOYA Akiho is suitable for hot springs, close to nature friends, remember to book a shuttle bus in advance. All hotel breakfasts are very local, do not miss, beef tongue, Sendai miso dishes are extremely surprising. Transportation & Food Supplement The city is mainly moved by JR or Sendai subway, which is super convenient point-to-point. There are many snacks near the shopping street. We recommend beef tongue, seaweed rice, and Sendai fried fish cakes. Yinshan Hot Spring, Tibetan King Tree Ice It is best to check the weather and book transportation in advance. #Sendai Travel #Hot Springs Must-See #Food Strategy #Northeast Winter Snow #Driving Trip Tips

Tired of squeezing into Tokyo and Osaka? This winter, follow me on this little-known route only advanced Japan travelers know! 🌟 Enter Tokyo ✈️ Exit Hokkaido, hitting three dreamy winter scenes in one trip: ✨ Ginzan Onsen — The enchanting wonderland from Spirited Away ✨ Zao Ice Monsters — A breathtaking global ice and snow spectacle ✨ Hokkaido Snow Country — A gentle winter fairy tale! 8 days with no backtracking, costing just over 10,000 RMB per person 💰, more worry-free than independent travel and more special than regular tours! Book now and get: 👘 Kimono experience (perfect for street photos in Ginzan Onsen) 🍫 Shiroi Koibito making experience (sweet overload) 🔥 Highlights preview: ♨️ Ginzan Onsen (Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture) — The original inspiration for the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away! The vintage streets under night lights are breathtaking! ⛷️ Zao Ice Monsters (Zao Town, Yamagata Prefecture) — A one-of-a-kind ice monster spectacle, truly stunning! ⛩️ Nikko Toshogu Shrine (Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture) — A national treasure shrine of Japan, dazzlingly luxurious with golden light 🐂 Sendai (Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture) — The birthplace of authentic Sendai beef tongue! A foodie’s paradise! ❄️ Lake Toya (Toya Town, Hokkaido) — A mysterious lake that never freezes even in winter 🍫 Sapporo Shiroi Koibito Park (Nishi Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido) — A fairy tale castle every sweet tooth must visit 🪔 Otaru Canal (Otaru City, Hokkaido) — Classic filming location of the movie Love Letter, 100% romantic! 🚗 Perfect 8-day itinerary: Day 1: Hong Kong ✈️ Tokyo (Asakusa Temple + Ginza shopping spree + Akihabara anime paradise + Odaiba night view) Day 2: Tokyo 🚌 Nikko Toshogu Shrine 🚌 Ginzan Onsen (Stay at a hot spring inn!) Day 3: Ginzan Onsen 🚌 Zao Fox Village 🦊 + Zao Ice Monsters (Stunning!) Day 4: Take the 🚄 Hokuto Shinkansen to Hakodate, Hokkaido (Hachimanzaka + Goryokaku + Kanemori Warehouse + Million Dollar Night View) Day 5: Lake Toya 🚗 Shikotsu Lake (National Park’s breathtaking snowy scenery) Day 6: Otaru Canal 🚗 Shiroi Koibito 🍫 🚗 Sapporo Day 7: Free day in Sapporo (Odori Park + Former Hokkaido Government Office) ✈️ Hong Kong 💡 Tips: 1️⃣ Best travel time is November to February for the most beautiful snow scenes 2️⃣ Be sure to bring warm clothing! Hokkaido is super cold 3️⃣ For Ginzan Onsen, it’s recommended to book Notoya Ryokan (the animation’s original model) 📸 Photo spots recommended: 📍 Ginzan Onsen street night view (just like Spirited Away) 📍 Zao Ice Monsters (stunning shots everywhere) 📍 Otaru Canal (classic Love Letter scene) Save this guide and enjoy Japan this winter like this! ❄️✨

The Enchanting World of Zao Frost-Covered Trees Zao Frost-Covered Trees are one of Japan's most iconic winter natural wonders, located at the Zao Mountain Range on the border of Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures in the Tohoku region. Every winter, due to unique climatic and geographical conditions, the mountains witness the spectacular phenomenon of 'frost-covered trees,' attracting numerous domestic and international visitors to admire this dreamlike snowy art. The so-called 'frost-covered trees' (referred to as 'Juhyo' or 'Snow Monsters' in Japanese) are actually a natural phenomenon where ice and snow cover coniferous trees. When moist monsoon winds from the Sea of Japan carry a large amount of water vapor and ice crystals over Mount Zao, the cold air meets the coniferous forests, especially the subalpine Aomori fir trees. The ice and snow adhere to the branches, accumulating and being sculpted by wind and snow, eventually forming the unique frost-covered tree landscape. The best time to view Zao Frost-Covered Trees is from late January to early March. During this period, the entire mountain appears to be occupied by icy snow monsters, creating a stunning silver-white spectacle. In the daytime, the trees glisten under the sunlight, while at night, the 'Frost-Covered Tree Fantasy Corridor' light show adds a mysterious ambiance. The Zao Onsen Ski Resort offers cable cars that take visitors directly to the mountaintop, allowing for an up-close view of the frost-covered trees, as well as the opportunity to enjoy both skiing and hot springs. Beyond its visual impact, Zao Frost-Covered Trees also carry information about the natural environment and climate change. Due to global warming, the scale and formation period of the frost-covered trees have been gradually shrinking, making them even more precious and in need of protection. In summary, Zao Frost-Covered Trees are not only a magnificent winter natural spectacle but also a miracle created by nature and climate. If you have the chance to visit Japan's Tohoku region in winter, don't miss this snowy feast.

[Highlights] 1. Juhyo trees formed by the cold Siberian winds 2. Enjoy the scenery along the way by cable car 3. Illuminated at night, it's like entering a magical world 🪄 [Recommended Rating] 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕(5/5) [Real Review] Once again, I was blown away by the natural beauty! In winter, the cold Siberian winds blow up the mountainside, blowing ice and snow onto the branches, forming "juhyo" (ice and snow). Each cedar tree nestled in the snow looks like a giant demon standing in the snow, earning it the nickname "Ice Monster." There are two sections of the cable car, and this time I went straight to the top. If the weather is good, you can see the amazing sight of frost-covered trees across the entire mountain. Unfortunately, I was caught in a snowstorm this time, so I couldn't see it at all. 😭😭 [Transportation Options🚘] 1. Drive 2. Take a bus from Yamagata JR Station 3. Sign up for a day tour and go directly there. [Wen's Tips] Really dress warmly before reaching the summit. The weather at the foot of the mountain is completely different from the top. The -20°C blizzard up there almost made my hands and feet numb. 🥶 #AugustDestinations2025 #ZaoHydrome #ZaoOnsenSkiResort #GlobalTravel #JapanTrip #SnowSeason #JapanTravel

Stay Dates: 2025/02/23-27 All the essential details! ☁️ Transportation: 🚗 We arrived by rental car. The ryokan has its own parking lot, but be cautious as there’s a small slope at the entrance that can get slippery when it snows! 🚌 If you’re taking the bus, the ryokan is about a five-minute walk from the bus stop, but it’s uphill, so take note. 🚍 There’s a shuttle service between Yamagata Station and the ryokan. Check the official website for details and make sure to reserve at least three days in advance! ☁️ Hotel Facilities: All rooms feature tatami flooring! They even help clean the wheels of your suitcase upon arrival 🥹. You’ll need to take off your shoes as soon as you enter—classic Japanese cleanliness! The ryokan has a limited number of rooms and no elevator, so you’ll need to carry your luggage upstairs (staff can assist, but they’ll only carry one item at a time haha!). Upon checkout, you’ll need to manage your own luggage 🤣. The layout is a bit maze-like but quite fun! There’s also a communal space on the second floor for snacks and drinks. ☁️ Service: The front desk staff speaks very little English, making communication somewhat challenging—perhaps even frustrating. It’s highly recommended to have a translation device handy! Double-check all reservations (like shuttle services) to avoid issues. ☁️ Amenities: Rooms only have toilets, no showers, but there’s a 24-hour communal bath! The bath isn’t large but is well-equipped. Since the ryokan isn’t crowded, you can enjoy a relaxing soak without feeling cramped. ☁️ Meals: Breakfast is Japanese-style and rotates every three days. It’s quite refined and delicious! ☁️ Insider Tips: Opting out of room cleaning earns you discount vouchers (see the last photo): 👉🏻 No cleaning at all: ¥1,000 voucher 👉🏻 Hanging towels on the door: ¥500 voucher These can be used at the shop next to the front desk (photo 7), which offers a variety of Zao-exclusive snacks at reasonable prices. The vouchers don’t require a minimum spend, so you can buy items and stash them in your luggage—super convenient! ☁️ Skiing: It’s about a 5-7 minute walk to the Uwanodai Ropeway Station—super convenient! There’s also a drying room near the ryokan’s shoe rack for storing ski gear. Here’s a minor complaint 🥹: When we checked in, we had already reserved the shuttle service, but the front desk claimed they didn’t have our reservation on record! It was a bit frustrating, but thankfully, after some back-and-forth, we managed to get on the shuttle. Make sure to double-check your reservations!

People say to go to Tibet to see the blue sky + tree ice It depends on character 🙂↔️ Because it is often foggy or melted snow 🙂↕️ We have really done a lot in our last and this life There is such good weather In my place by car, the road at the Upper Zango Cable Car Station has some many bends, about 1.5hour from Sendai. It was a sunny day and it didn't snow, so it was safe Because too many people suspend ticket sales at 8:30 my place just arrived at 8:00 We also packed the whole cable car 🥹 before leaving I promise that I will continue to do more good Help many elderly people cross the road Continue to be so good to patients and respond to requests😂 📍Tibetan King Tree Ice #globaltravel

It is a circular volcanic lake surrounded by the three peaks of Mt. Kumanodake, Mt. Katta, and Mt. Goshiki. You can enjoy the beautiful emerald-colored scenery. In winter, the road is closed and the lake is often covered in fog due to its high altitude, so it is said that only about 30% of the time you can see it clearly. It was truly beautiful. The temperature can be about 10°C different from the plains, so we recommend wearing warm clothes and sneakers! ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Name of facility📍Zao no Okama Address📍Ishidake National Forest, Shichikashuku-cho, Karita-gun, Miyagi Prefecture Access📍2 minutes on foot from Zao Karita-dake Parking Lot Opening hours📍8:00-17:00 *Open from May to late October No tours available from early November to late April due to road closures ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Girls trip #Adult girls trip #Couples trip #Domestic travel #japan #Zao Onsen #Zao no Okama #Tohoku tourism

One of the famous attractions in Tohoku is Zao Okama in Yamagata, a volcanic lake also known as the Five-Colored Lake. The lake water boils repeatedly due to volcanic activity. The water of Lake Okama is green. You can take the cable car up the mountain and then walk to Okama. We drove to the mountain by ourselves. There is a parking lot and a sales department at the tourist center so it is very convenient. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot to Okama. Okama is beautiful from every angle. In addition to seeing the beautiful volcanic lake - Okama, I also accidentally climbed two of Japan's 100 Most Famous Mountains - Kumanodake (Zao Mountain) at an altitude of 1,841m and Karitadake at an altitude of 1,758m. It took 1 hour and 50 minutes to go from the visitor center to the top of the mountain through Mikama and back, taking photos and enjoying the scenery. This itinerary is very suitable for families to travel together. The children were having fun walking, playing and picking up stones. Stones from volcanic eruptions could be seen everywhere around them. Soon the weather on the mountain began to change and fog appeared. It was only 9 degrees on the mountain at that time, which was very cool. Zao Okama 〒989-0916 Miyagi Prefecture, Karata County, Kurao Town, Togatta Onsen, Kuraishidake National Forest, Kurao no Mikama #Zao #Okama #Kumano-dake #Zao Mountain #Katada-dake #Volcanic Lake #Zao Mountain Range #Goshikinuma #Miyagi #Japan's 100 Famous Mountains #Good Places for Families #familytravel #Self-driving

🤔Tohoku is so low-key that even the Japanese are unfamiliar with it, but here you can find the Kamikakushi Ginzan Onsen in Spirited Away, the spectacular tree ice wonders of Mount Zao, and the world heritage city of Nikko... It always brings surprises to your warm winter trip · 【Highlights】 🐮Yonezawa Wagyu|Marbled meat that melts in your mouth, one of the top three Wagyu beef in Japan ♨Ginzan Onsen|The wooden hot spring town is like the hidden world in "Spirited Away" 🗻The beauty of nature|Magical ice on the mountains and trees, spectacular ice waterfalls on the streams 🌈Winter Limited|Ashikaga Fantasy Illumination Blooms, One of the Three Major Illuminations in Japan ♨️Hot ​​spring tour|A visit to Ginzan Onsen, Zao Onsen and Nikko Onsen · 【Meet on the road】 ✅Yamagata|Ginzan Onsen, Zao Onsen, Yamagata Zao Ice Trees ✅Miyagi|Zao Okama, Katamage Shrine, Miyagi Zao Juhyo, Togatta Onsen, Kokeshi making, Zao Fox Village ✅Tochigi|Tamozawa Imperial Residence Memorial Park, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, strawberry picking and tasting, Ashikaga Flower Park Light-up · 【Stay】 🏡Kosekiya Annex|Like the hot spring house in Spirited Away, the top floor has a romantic guest room, hot springs gush directly from the source, and Japanese beef food is top-notch 🏡Miyazanso Takamiya|A 300-year-old wooden building with interesting guest rooms. Enjoy your bathing time with 9 types of bathtubs formed by its own source of hot springs 🏡Hot Spring Villa Daigenzhihua|There are only 18 rooms in the 10,000-ping forest. You can enjoy the 400-year-old tea-brown warm soup at any time. The food ingredients are mainly home-grown vegetables, which are very fresh and tender. 🏡Nikko Ritz-Carlton|The first Ritz-Carlton to offer Japanese-style hot springs, with natural sulfur hot springs as the main feature. The private balcony and semi-outdoor lounge area introduce the beauty of the four seasons of Oku-Nikko · 【Exquisite delicacies】 🍓Strawberries|Tochigi has the largest strawberry production in Japan, and Tochiotome is the most delicious. Picking strawberries yourself is a special kind of fun 🔥Grilled Beef Tongue|A specialty of Sendai, beef tongue is cooked, seasoned and grilled. The meat is tender, marinated and full of oil. 🐮Yonezawa Wagyu|One of the three major Wagyu beefs in Japan, along with Matsusaka beef and Kobe beef, its characteristics are its melting taste and sweetness. · 【Itinerary Overview】 ❄D1 Fairy Tale Street ♨️ Arrive in Yamagata and stroll along Ginzan Onsen Street ❄D2 Ice and Snow Exotic 🗻Yamagata: Watching the frost trees at Zao Mountain and relaxing at Zao Hot Springs 🎎Miyagi: Watching the frost trees on Mount Zao, Okama, Kataming Shrine, and relaxing at Togatta Onsen ❄D3 Animal Habitat 🦊Visit Zao Fox Village and head to Nikko ❄D4 Natural Vitality 🌊Walk along Lake Chuzenji, visit Kegon Falls, pick and taste strawberries at the farm ❄D5 World Heritage 🍱Visit Tamozawa Imperial Residence Memorial Park and have lunch, Ashikaga Flower Park Light Up, and head to Tokyo ❄D6 Farewell to Japan ✈️Return/Continue traveling to other cities in Japan

Near the parking lot of Mt. Kanda in Zao is the Zao Summit Rest House, which serves as a base for sightseeing and mountain climbing. There are toilets, rest areas, and a restaurant, so you can relax here. The surrounding scenery is also spectacular. #AutumnTravel #AutumnFoliageSpots #AutumnFoliageViewing

Address: 88-11 Kaminohara, Toogatta Onsen, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-0916 Content: I think the hot springs are the charm of Takesenso! The sounds of nature are soothing and it was a great space to soak in the hot springs~🥹 At night, you can see the starry sky from the Unkai Lounge🌌 We had a wonderful time in a really wonderful space! I want to come again next year~♡ #HotSpring #SummerWeekendTrip

Address: 88-11 Kaminohara, Toogatta Onsen, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-0916 Content: At Zao Onsen, you can enjoy the green trees, the river, and the sounds of insects while bathing in the hot springs. It was really luxurious and relaxing to spend a relaxing time. 🌿♡ Please visit "Takesenso" 🤭 #Hotsprings #SummerWeekendTrip

Address: 88-11 Kaminohara, Toogatta Onsen, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-0916 Content: Summer trip to Zao Onsen, rich in nature ♨️ We were able to spend a luxurious time at an inn surrounded by greenery!! The ryokan was very satisfying both in terms of the grounds and the food, so I highly recommend it! Japanese food in a Japanese atmosphere. Japanese food was truly exceptional☺️ #onsen #summerweekendtrip

Address: 128 Kaminohara, Toogatta Onsen, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-0916 Atmosphere/Facilities: If you go to Zao, this is a place you should definitely stay at! I tried morning yoga as an activity! It was refreshing with the morning sun! lol I took a morning walk and the autumn leaves lit up by the morning sun were wonderful ~ it was soothing! If you want to enjoy nature, please come!!! 🐿🍁 #Autumn leaves #Buffet #Morning yoga

Zao Skiing First Experience + Ginzan Onsen Dreamy Snow Scenery + Sendai Food Tour 🍜 Follow this guide and you'll have a blast without even having to think! 🙌🏻✨ 🌟 DAY 1|Sendai City Food Warm-up 🚄 Airport → Sendai City|A 30-minute direct route, no need to worry about getting lost 🛒 Sendai City Shopping|A shopping spree right after landing 🥩 Kaku Gyutsuki|A popular charcoal grill restaurant that's still packed late at night 🏨 Daiwa Roynet Hotel|Excellent location, super spacious and comfortable rooms 🌟 DAY 2|Zao Skiing First Experience 🚌 Sendai → Zao Onsen|Worth the 2-hour drive 🏂 Best Rental Pro Shop|Convenient full equipment rental ⛷️ Zao Snowboard School|Professional hands-on instruction 🍲 Cafe Alpina|A must-try after skiing, Yamagata beef sukiyaki is so comforting 🛏️ Onsen Oak & Hill|3-minute walk from the ski resort 🌟 DAY 3|The spectacular Zao Tree Ice Scene 🌲 Zao Tree Ice + Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva|Most beautiful in January-February! Don't miss out! 🏂 Freestyle Skiing | Practice as much as your muscles can still remember the moves! 🍻 Onsen Oak & Hill | Beer Happy Hour is awesome! 🍡 Ringo-ya Yudo | Amazing late-night gyoza and takoyaki! 🌟 DAY 4 | A dreamy trip to Ginzan Onsen 🚌 Zao → Ginzan Onsen | Check the schedule for the winter shuttle bus in advance! ❄️ Ginzan Onsen | Breathtakingly beautiful after the lights are turned on at dusk; every shot is a masterpiece! 🍜 Izu no Hana | Eggplant soba noodles + soba ice cream – novel and delicious! 🍢 Ganso Tofuya | Popular fried tofu with queues starting at 30 minutes! ♨️ Yanada-ya Bessou | So relaxing soak in the private hot spring! 🌟 DAY 5 | Sendai Food Extravaganza 🚄 Ginzan Onsen → Sendai | One last day, yet still a variety of delicious meals! 🥤 Zunda Saryo | Limited-edition edamame milkshake – a must-try! 🥩 Zenjiro | Don't miss Sendai's truly best beef tongue restaurant! 🐟 Usutai Yaki Taikichi | Crispy taiyaki (fish-shaped pancake) – absolutely amazing! 🛫 After our last meal, tears welled up as we headed back to the office to work. ⚠️ Helpful Tips: 1. Definitely go to Zao Juhyasama (snow-covered snow lily) in January or February!! 2. Don't overschedule your days; allow time for rest. 3. Book your onsen hotel as early as possible!

#uniquehomestay Everything in Bettei Yamabuki feels curated, making it a brilliant #uniquehomestay for lovers of Japanese craft. From the ceramics used in the dining room to the woodwork in the lobby, there is a clear emphasis on supporting local artisans. This adds a layer of cultural depth to the high-end experience. I found myself asking the staff about the origin of the tea sets and the artwork, leading to fascinating conversations about the region’s history. It’s a stay that educates as much as it relaxes, providing a high-value cultural immersion that stays with you long after you check out.

#uniquehomestay Bettei Yamabuki offers a "low-flow" luxury experience that is a breath of fresh air. As a #uniquehomestay, it avoids the flashy, over-the-top elements of city hotels in favor of high-quality basics. Think plush towels, premium linens, and high-end organic toiletries. The "Obanzai" (Kyoto-style home cooking) breakfast spread is a highlight—simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. It’s a high-value destination because it prioritizes the things that actually matter for a restful stay. If you’re looking for a "hotel worth it" that values substance over style, this Gunma/Miyagi border gem is the place.

#uniquehomestay The way Bettei Yamabuki is integrated into its landscape makes it a fascinating #uniquehomestay. The buildings are low-slung and use natural colors that don’t compete with the surrounding trees. Inside, the large windows act as frames for the scenery, pulling the outdoors in. Whether it’s the reflection of the moon on the pond or the morning mist rolling over the hills, nature is always the star of the show. This architectural harmony creates a sense of grounded luxury that is very grounding. For creators, the property offers a variety of textures and natural backdrops that are perfect for high-end lifestyle content.

#uniquehomestay While often seen as a romantic retreat, Bettei Yamabuki is an incredible #uniquehomestay for solo travelers seeking peace. The atmosphere is quiet and respectful, allowing for deep reflection. I spent my time here reading in the library and taking long, solitary baths in the communal onsen, which I often had all to myself. The staff is attentive but gives you plenty of space, making it a high-end sanctuary for those traveling alone. It’s a high-value stay for anyone looking to recharge their mental batteries in a beautiful, culturally rich environment.

#uniquehomestay The concept of a "restaurant inn" is what truly defines Bettei Yamabuki as a #uniquehomestay. Most luxury hotels focus on the room first and the food second, but here, the culinary experience is the heart of the property. The dining room is designed with as much care as the guest suites, offering private tables with views of the illuminated gardens at night. The service is timed to perfection, ensuring that each dish arrives at the ideal temperature. For food bloggers and travel writers, this property provides a wealth of content focused on the intersection of Japanese gastronomy and luxury lodging.

#uniquehomestay Bettei Yamabuki serves as the perfect base for exploring the high-end side of the Zao mountain range. After a day of exploring the nearby volcanic craters or hiking through the forest, returning to this #uniquehomestay feels like coming home to a palace. The contrast between the rugged outdoors and the polished, scented interiors of the inn is striking. The lobby area, with its collection of art and comfortable seating, is a great place to plan the next day’s adventures. It’s a high-end retreat that manages to feel adventurous and cozy at the same time, perfect for a professional travel itinerary.

#uniquehomestay What makes Bettei Yamabuki a #uniquehomestay is the sheer scale of the hospitality. Because the property is small, the staff knows your name, your preferences, and your schedule within hours of arrival. This isn’t the scripted service of a global chain; it’s the genuine Omotenashi of a family-run luxury villa. They went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary requests, even creating a custom dish off-menu. This level of attention makes the stay feel like a high-value investment in personal care. It is a "hotel worth it" for anyone who values human connection as much as high-end facilities.

#uniquehomestay Privacy is the ultimate luxury at Bettei Yamabuki. As a premier #uniquehomestay, it offers suites with private open-air baths that allow you to soak in the mineral-rich waters of Togatta under the stars. The water here is known for its skin-softening properties, and having it available 24/7 in the comfort of your own room is a game-changer. The transition from the warm bath to the cool mountain air is incredibly refreshing. For creators, the aesthetic of the private baths—often framed by bamboo or stone—is perfect for capturing the "slow travel" movement. It’s a sophisticated, high-end escape that prioritizes the guest’s personal space.

#uniquehomestay Visiting Bettei Yamabuki during the autumn was a revelation. This #uniquehomestay leans heavily into the concept of "Shun" (seasonal peak). The menu during my stay was a celebration of the forest, featuring matsutake mushrooms and local root vegetables that were earthy and rich. The view from the dining hall, overlooking the pond with the changing leaves, made the meal feel like a spiritual experience. The property’s ability to weave the surrounding environment into the guest experience is what makes it a high-value stay. It’s a destination that changes its personality with the seasons, inviting multiple visits throughout the year.